Singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, faces ongoing scrutiny as prosecutors present evidence in a Los Angeles capital murder case alleging he purchased airline tickets for himself and Celeste Rivas Hernandez on trips that included Los Angeles to London routes during the period of their alleged relationship, which authorities say involved sexual abuse that began when she was 13. A screenshot purporting to be a United Airlines booking confirmation for Rivas Hernandez as an unaccompanied minor has circulated widely on social media during the preliminary hearing, but the document has not been publicly authenticated in court filings and the specific $923 cost, September 28 to 29 travel dates, and “aged 12 to 14” wording originate in viral posts rather than verified court evidence.
The preliminary hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court remains in progress as of July 23 2026. Prosecutors are presenting forensic evidence, digital records, purchase histories, and financial details to establish probable cause for charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a child younger than 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke has pleaded not guilty and his legal team maintains that the evidence will show he did not cause Rivas Hernandez’s death. The multi-day hearing, which began July 21, is expected to last several days while the judge evaluates whether the case should proceed to full trial.
The ticket screenshot has drawn renewed attention because it shows billing information attributed to Burke. According to preliminary hearing testimony, Burke also used the alias “Victoria Mendez” to place post-April 2025 purchases characterized by prosecutors as linked to body disposal. The Los Angeles Times reported that a detective testified Burke ordered a “burn cage” under that alias, and Rolling Stone and People documented additional orders under the name for chainsaws, a fireproof mat, and other items. Court records confirm Rivas Hernandez and Burke traveled together on multiple occasions while she was alive, with London among the destinations. The unverified ticket itinerary aligns with a period when Rivas Hernandez was still alive and within the listed age range for unaccompanied minor service, framing that adds another layer to the documented pattern of contact that prosecutors say spanned years, though the screenshot itself has not been entered into evidence.
The case has moved deliberately since Rivas Hernandez’s remains were discovered in September 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. Extensive decomposition required prolonged forensic analysis, DNA matching, and digital extraction from phones, vehicles, and cloud accounts. Grand jury proceedings and sealing of certain medical examiner reports contributed to the timeline. Defense challenges to evidence collection methods and gaps in testing have also extended proceedings, typical in high profile cases involving voluminous digital and physical evidence that must withstand rigorous scrutiny before trial.
Financial testimony during the hearing revealed label payments to Burke in 2025, the year that followed the alleged April killing date. Prosecutors cite these earnings, along with the special circumstance of financial gain, as part of the motive to silence Rivas Hernandez and protect his career. The combination of travel records, financial flows, and the alleged use of aliases for suspicious purchases forms a key part of the narrative now under judicial review. Public interest remains intense as the hearing continues and more exhibits are introduced in open court.
Readers seeking additional verified information on the charges and timeline can review publicly available summaries through Los Angeles County District Attorney filings and court records. The case highlights the challenges of investigating relationships involving minors when digital travel and communication trails exist alongside delayed discovery of remains. Updates will continue to emerge as the preliminary hearing advances toward a determination on whether Burke will stand trial.
